Amongst the jury of 47 journalists from 24 countries the main items positively supporting the award were the range of innovative technologies that reduce fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions.

Main innovations include brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop and electric power steering all devised to reduce CO2 emissions and improve efficiency with the three and five door BMW 118d delivering an impressive 62.8mpg on a combined cycle. The Mercedes Benz Smart CDI and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI were the two other top three contenders.